The Merchant Marine Act was enacted by the United States Congress in 1920. It was later changed1970. What was once known as the Merchant Marine Act is now commonly referred to as the Jones Act. There is often confusion between the Jones Act and worker’s compensation laws that are present in each state in the U.S. They are similar. However, they are two totally different laws. The Jones act provides remedies for injured seamen against their employer. If an injury results in death, the seaman’s beneficiaries may be entitled to compensation, awards, or other benefits.
Jones Act cases are common in the state of Maine due to its location along the northeastern coast of the U.S. Much of Maine’s economy thrives on jobs on the water.
Under the Jones Act, a ship or vessel includes different water-going vessels, ships, or other floating or movable rigs. They include but are not limited to various barges, tankers, diving vessels, research vessels, fishing vessels, cargo ships, drill ships, and many others. An experienced Jones Act lawyer can determine if the vessel in which their client works is included under the Jones Act.
The Jones Act states that the owner of the vessel must maintain the vessel to ensure that it is seaworthy at all times. Also, if a vessel owner, captain, other maritime workers are proven to have displayed negligence resulting in an employee’s injury in a legal trial, he or she will be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and wage losses. In many Jones Act lawsuits, monetary awards are granted to the injured employee.
The Jones act is a federal law although cases can be heard on the state level as well as the federal level. A Jones Act claim made in Maine will be heard in the Maine state court. The trial will follow Maine state court procedures.
The statute of limitation on most Jones Act claims is three years. It is important to take action quickly following a work-related injury. It is best to hire an experienced Jones Act lawyer to handle a claim right away. Jones Act lawyers are best in determining what benefits, compensation, or awards you deserve. Jones Act laws are complex and are understood by lawyers that have had years of work with related cases. Attorney fees may vary depending on various factors.
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